Center station Restaurant In 1900, the small community of Bloomington was hit by disaster. Late one night, a small fire started in the back of a downtown laundry shop. It grew undetected until the fire engulfed the building. Bloomington's fire department rushed to the scene, but the fire, fueled by high winds, had already spread to adjoining buildings. The inferno proved too much for Bloomington's ill-equipped fire department. The alarm was sounded in neighboring communities, with firefighters from Peoria and Springfield responding. Fire engines were even brought in by train from Springfield, but by the time the flames were contained, they had leveled the downtown community.
The citizens of Bloomington vowed that such a tragedy would never occur again. After buying the biggest and best hook-and-ladder team they could find, they realized it would not fit in the station's bay doors. In 1902 they built the new Central Fire Station, which served as the main fire station of Bloomington until 1974.

After sitting vacant for a couple of years, the building was remodeled as a restaurant. Its design was basically as it is today: the engine stalls are now the main dining room, the horses were kept in what is now our kitchen, and the firemen's quarters were remodeled into banquet rooms and a martini lounge.
The present owners, In Chol Chong and Chad Ellington, purchased the restaurant in 2004. They look forward to being able to continue Central Station Café's reputation for warm and casual dining and maintaining our rich history.

Hours of operation
Tuesday thru Saturday
Lunch: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Dinner: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Open Mondays in December- Special holiday brunches scheduled
Reservations accepted for Lunch and Dinner
(309) 828- 2323

Central Station also offers a full line of banquet services for groups of 5 to 180. Call (309) 828-6563.
Our gift certificates make the perfect gift. Ask your server for one today.

Loft:
The Loft, a new martini bar, located in historic downtown Bloomington, is the newest, sophisticated nightclub to hit central Illinois. Formally known as Bogies Firehouse, The Loft has set new standards of service, atmosphere, and live entertainment, as well as becoming the areas first martini bar. The Loft gets it's name from the history of the building. Originally the main firestation in Bloomington/Normal, the upstairs was the hayloft of relaxation and recreation by the firemen. Now it is used for relaxation and recreation by anyone who expects more from their nightlife pleasures. The Loft is open Tuesday - Thursday 5:00 till 1:00, Friday 4:00 till 2:00, and Saturday 5:00 till 2:00. Check us out at The Loft and Ascend into Elegance.
Address:

Central Station Cafe
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(309)828-2323
220 East Front Street
Bloomington, IL 61701

For details information: Center station Restaurant